Caribbean Cruises: what to pack

Packing priorities

1. Sun protection – high-SPF sun cream, a sun hat (opens in a new tab) (paid link), sunglasses and after-sun. Some islands restrict certain sunscreen ingredients to protect reefs, so a reef-friendly formula (opens in a new tab) (paid link) is a sensible choice.
2. Insect repellent – mosquito-borne diseases occur in parts of the Caribbean. Check the current advice for each island on NHS fitfortravel.
3. Light, breathable clothes – cotton and linen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and theatres.
4. Beach kit – two sets of swimwear, a cover-up, a dry bag (opens in a new tab) (paid link) and water shoes (opens in a new tab) (paid link). Snorkel gear (opens in a new tab) (paid link) is optional; most ships provide beach towels.
5. Flight-ready hand luggage – medication, a change of clothes and swimwear, in case your case is delayed on the way to the ship.

Documents and entry requirements

A Caribbean cruise can visit several independent countries and territories, each with its own entry rules – the Caribbean is not one immigration area. Many cruises also start in Florida or call at US territories such as Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, but not all do. If your itinerary or flights include or transit the US, check whether you need an ESTA or a US visa: depending on your passport, eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers use ESTA, while others need a visa. Check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for every country and territory on your itinerary, and make sure your travel insurance covers cruising and medical treatment at sea.

US dollars are widely accepted across many Caribbean ports, alongside local currencies such as the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

Hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30 November. Cruise lines monitor storms and may change itineraries, so check that your travel insurance covers disruption, and pack a little flexibility: an extra day of medication and a portable charger (opens in a new tab) (paid link) are useful if plans change.

Flying to your Caribbean cruise

Most UK travellers fly, so airline baggage limits usually matter more than the cruise line’s allowance. Weigh your cases, keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in hand luggage, and check your departure airport’s liquid rules. If your cruise has formal nights, our formal night guide has tips for packing evening wear within an airline allowance. The planner adds flight-specific items automatically when you choose “Flying”.